Sweet Family Time

 Last Sunday, I received a phone call from my Daddy, informing me that my "Pop" had passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's.  With the help of my Uncle Barry and Daddy, plane tickets were purchased and Aaron and I got packed and ready for an early flight on Monday morning.  Aaron and I were so blessed by the many friends who prayed for us during this time.  Thankful for sweet friends who drove us to the airport, picked up us, made sure that Gracie was fed and wrote lesson plans so I didn't have to worry about a thing.

Sitting in the RDU airport, waiting to board our first plane to Atlanta.

Bravely looking out the window to take a picture.

This is what Raleigh looks like from the air.

My delicious snack.
Ginger Ale really helped to settle my stomach.

Made it to Atlanta, ready to board the plane for our 25 minute flight to Birmingham.

Rachel picked us up from the airport and we enjoyed a tasty Alabama treat, Milo's.

Enjoying a little British Programing
Downton Abbey and Dr. Who
Apparently Aaron and Rachel have a lot more in common than I realized.

After a very relaxing afternoon, we headed to Granny's house for a dinner provided by her neighbors.  I am so thankful for the loving community that Granny and Pop live in, watching neighbors take care of us (the family) was amazing.  It was also nice to have everyone under one roof for the first time in several years.

Chatting in the living room.
Family time is so precious.

Chatting in the kitchen

 Tuesday morning came bright and early.  Rachel, Aaron, and I headed to the funeral home for visitation and the funeral.  Before I go any further, know that Pop was a Christian, so while he is no longer here on earth, I know that I will one day see him again in Heaven, which seemed to make the day a bit sweeter.  Yes there were many moments when I was saddened because there will be things that I will miss, but I had to remind myself that because Jesus took my place, Pop's place, and anyone else who believes, I can face tomorrow... Because He Lives.  Once again the out pour of the community, was enough to make anyone smile.  There was so many friends of Granny and Pop, who simply came to be a support and tell Granny how much they loved her (as well as the rest of us).  After a while I just sat down and watched one person after another share the connection they had with Granny and Pop.  And oh how sweet to see family friends, extended family, Daddy's co-workers and boss, and Bro. Rusty come to simply give us a hug and chat.  The service was touching and extremely personal.  After the service we headed back to Granny and Pop's  to eat a delicious lunch prepared by their Sunday School Class.  They took care of every need and made sure we all had EVERYTHING we needed, and most importantly made sure that Granny ate and didn't worry about a thing.  So thankful for the friends that will come alongside Granny and encourage her, whenever she needs it.

My daddy put together a slide show of pictures of Pop, that played during visitation.  It was fun to watch the pictures play over and over and just remember.
*I remember getting up before everyone else to eat breakfast with Pop before he would head to work.
*I remember there always being gospel music or some type of hymn being played from the stereo.
*I remember fig preserves, pear preserves, and strawberries over biscuits.
*I remember cracking pecans on the screened in back porch.
*I remember Pop's love for sweets.  He always had room for some dessert after a meal.
*I remember Pop always having a comb in his shirt pocket, I guess to make sure his hair was always in place.
*I remember getting cards in the mail (during college and after) with money in them, so I could go buy myself a hamburger.
*I remember always getting a phone call on my birthday with Granny and Pop singing Happy Birthday.  I guess that is where that tradition started.
*I remember Pop loving Granny and always taking care of her.
*I remember Pop giving the best hugs, he would always hug you really tight.
*I remember a man who loved to have his family near him, for whatever the occasion.



"Pop" from Aaron Turner on Vimeo.


Around 5:00, we said our good byes and headed back to Rachel's to change clothes and then drove to Hueytown.  We enjoyed a delightful meal with Adam and Sybil and I finally got to meet Lily, the cat.

Lily is a sweetheart, with a lot to say.

Black Bean Burger and chips and cheese dip from Speedy's.

Wednesday morning came extremely early and we started our trek back home.  Even though the landing was a little rough on my motion sickness, it was so much better than being in a car for 9 1/2 hours.  Even though the circumstances were not ideal, I am very grateful I was able to have an unexpected visit with my family.

Flying the Friendly Skies

Aaron checking out the "cool" items in the Sky Mall catalog.

Almost Home and looking a little weary.

Until next time...

Young Pro Lunch

Last Sunday, we held a Young Pro Interest Meeting Lunch at West Club.  Aaron and I were blown away by all of the young professionals who came.  Aaron was able to introduce himself to them, many personally, and share the vision of the group.  Looking forward to watching God work in their lives through this ministry and the upcoming dinner series.

*I was able to meet Carrie McQuaid, owner of The Caroline G Shop  I actually got one of her necklaces for Christmas and so enjoyed getting to chat with her.

Aaron did such a wonderful communicating the vision of the Young Pros Ministry,
as well as informing everyone about the upcoming events.

Our New Adventure

 Several months ago, Aaron was approached about a position as the Young Professionals Director at The Summit's West Club Campus.  After much prayer and counsel from many friends and family, we accepted the job.  This Sunday was our first official weekend on the job.  We attended all three services and were introduced to the WCC members.  We met tons of new faces and are excited about the journey ahead.

Headed out for the 40 minute commute to Durham from Wake Forest.

Walking past the First Time Guest Tent

We arrived right before the end of the 9 service so I was able to snap some pictures around the West Club Campus.  Unlike the North Raleigh Campus, that meets in a store front, West Club meets in an old Baptist Church building.  I must admit it is kind of nostalgic to sit in a pew, see stained glass windows, and to have a place to put your juice cup after communion.  

The front lobby, which has been updated.

Peeking through the window during the service.

The Campus reminds me of Providence Baptist Church.  

Quick Selfie before heading inside to meet and greet.

After the 11 service I decided to be brave and snap a picture of the inside of the sanctuary.
I wish you could see the beautiful blue carpet.

We treated ourselves to Cook-Out after church yesterday.

The next couple of weeks are going to be extremely busy ones in the Turner Household.  Aaron has several Young Pro events already in the making.  This coming Sunday, there will be an interest meeting luncheon, after the 11 service.  We hope to meet Young Pros and cast the vision for this ministry.  The vision is to equip these individuals with the knowledge and tools to be "SENT" as disciples of Christ, to the unreached peoples, whether that it here in Raleigh/Durham, with a church plant here in America or overseas, or in some type of mission work overseas.  Then a six week dinner series starts January 30, beginning with an evening with J.D.  This series will include dinner, teaching by an elder from the church, and table discussion.  
*Please pray for the young pros, that they will be excited and willing to participate in these events.
*Pray for Aaron as he takes on the responsibilities of the Young Pros director, pray that he will find men and women who are willing to volunteer for these events, and pray that he does not become overwhelmed by the magnitude of EVERYTHING involved.  Although the days have been long and sometimes overwhelming, Aaron has been so excited to head off to work, even when that means spending countless hours sending emails.  :)

Next adventure:  looking for housing closer to Durham, the drive is just way too long.  More details to come.  Until next time...

Christmas Adventures and New Year's 2014

Our Christmas celebration started a little early since we would not be home for Christmas.  Saturday morning was our Christmas.  We enjoyed opening presents, lounging in our pjs, eating tasty food, and simply relaxing.

Christmas PJs.

Gracie loves a good box and tissue paper.

Christmas Breakfast: Apple Cranberry Crumble and Sausage Pinwheels

Apparently I have only talked about needing an immersion blender every time I cook.
I have already used it to make homemade hummus.  Worked like a charm.

Aaron modeling his L.L. Bean socks.

 Monday, December 23, started out dark and early.  We loaded up the car and started the 14 hour trek to south Alabama.  We had a wonderful time visiting both sides of the family.  We are truly blessed.

Christmas in Citronelle

Still working on Selfies.

Sweet Nephews

Oh the joy of opening presents as a kid.  Sawyer loved opening everyone's presents.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle PJs

Remote Control 4-Wheeler

Duck Dynasty Trivia Game
Aaron and I lost horribly.

Aaron and Mr. Joe enjoying some bonding time watching a movie.

Since we were traveling to see family this year, we missed Christmas at the DPAC.
Thankful for technology that allowed me to watch it a day later.

No trip to Mobile is complete without Foosackly's
Aaron and I enjoyed some for lunch before we headed to my parents.

 Thursday, December 26, Aaron and I headed to my parents' house.  We enjoyed watching football, eating tasty treats, and chatting around the dinner table.

Jenks, my sister's cat, came for Christmas this year.  He was true gentleman.

A Man and his Mac
My dad was editing pictures and Aaron was compiling Hebrew vocabulary words.

Watching everyone open presents.

Jenks modeling the "trapper" hat my mom made for him.

 Sunday, December 29, Aaron, Gracie and I loaded everything in the car and began the 10 hour drive back to Wake Forest.  We enjoyed a few days at home before heading back to work on Thursday.

Aaron snuggled up with our new blanket from Adam and Sybil.

 New Year's Eve, Aaron and I headed out to dinner with friends.  We stayed out way past midnight, playing games and chatting.  So glad that we had one more day to recover before heading back to work on Thursday.

Hair Style from Kate from The Small Things Blog.
I love watching her hair tutorials.

Jaye and James playing on the iPad.

Lively game of Heads Up.
We were so involved in the game that we almost forgot to count down to the new year.

Lovely Ladies
So blessed to have them in my life.

New Year's Day, we prepared a traditional southern New Year's meal and enjoyed time with Josh, Meredith, and Baby James.  We ate until we couldn't eat anymore and watched tons of football.  Such a wonderful way to end our vacation.  Back to work Thursday.  Looking forward to the adventures of 2014.

Homemade Apple Pie